America's Health Coach.... and a Foot Detox Scam?
I started seeing a Dr in Nashville, who has his own radio show and promotes himself as "America's Health Coach"... Dr Asa Andrew. I was attracted to Dr Andrew because of his focus on fixing the source of the health problems rather than the symptoms. He has a strong focus on proper diet and nutrition as preventative medicine.
I first saw Dr Andrew and had x-rays done on July 23rd. They asked me to come back a week later to go over the x-rays and have blood work done, so I then returned on July 28th. The last appointment was on August 4th, where they did a "detox foot bath" and prescribed several supplements. Three visits, and a total cost so far of $1275.98.
The cost is not the biggest issue since I realize that x-rays and blood work can be expensive, but it is something to keep in mind. However, why would he take me off the daily vitamins and supplements that I'm on and put me on 7 of the vitamins and supplements, which he sells, before even getting my lab results back? And what is a detox foot bath, and how does it work?
When I tried to ask the person that was administering the foot detox how it worked and how it was beneficial, I ended up asking the same question 3 different times in 3 different ways before I could get a (still unsatisfactory) answer... and I still don't know how it was supposed to detoxify my system, what toxins and "heavy metals" it was pulling out, or why heavy metals were floating on the surface of the water.
This was really starting to bother me, so I discussed the matter with my boyfriend and he took the initiative to start looking up info on foot bath detoxes. Low and behold, there were multiple sites and YouTube videos touting this as a hoax or scam. (A couple of which can be found here, and here). It seems that even if you don't have your feet in the water, it will still act as if it's pulling toxins out of your system by changing colors and producing small particles in the water. According to the video, this change in the water is actually caused by the corrosion of metals from the machine itself. I can't say for sure that it has absolutely no benefit, but it is certainly questionable.
Another thing that bothered me is the lack of the title "MD" on Dr Asa's bestselling book "Empowering Your Health". I asked if he was an MD and was told that he's not actually a MD but rather a Chiropractor (Don't get me wrong, I love chiropractors!), and in his final semester of Medical School. Now, keep in mind that his radio show is called "Dr Asa On Call" and that he's wearing scrubs and a stethoscope on the cover of his book (as well as scrubs in his office). It seems as though he's trying to pretend to be something he's not, and it brings his integrity and motives for doing so into question.
So, my biggest question is: Is he incompetent, fraudulent, or just a little misleading?
posted by She who is by birth... at 8:12 PM
19 Comments:
Hi, I was wondering if you have gone back to Dr. Asa and if so, how do you feel about working with him? I have an appointment with him tomorrow, but after reading your blog entry and some other disturbing information about him, I am not sure I want to keep it.
I'm sorry I just now got your message. I have not been back to see him, with the exception of collecting my medical records. I personally am not willing to trust someone (especially with my health, because it's my most valuable asset) who I believe either has to be incompetent, or a fraud. I don't remember if I posted an update or not, but I did talk to the office manager there (at her request) to tell her why I would no longer be a patient. I basically relayed everything I wrote here, and she did not deny or disagree with any of it. (Oh, except that in her experience Chiropractors wear stethoscopes. So I've taken an informal survey since then, and have not found another person that remembers their Chiropractor wearing a stethoscope.)
I have started seeing another doctor and the recommendation of a close friend, and I have already (in the last month) lost about 10 lbs, feel healthier, and have more energy. He is a holistic doctor and does practice natural medicine, but has his M.D. as well and likes to find a balance between the two. I am very happy knowing that he can prescribe an important medicine if it's honestly necessary, but has not insensitive to do so if it's not. I really like the way he actually takes the time to listen to me talk and explain what's going on and why I think it's happening rather than just assuming he knows or can figure it out purely from a list of symptoms. Best of all I've seen him fewer times, spent MUCH less money, and gotten better results. If you want, it's Dr David Forbes in Nashville TN (on Berry Hill Dr). His website is here: http://www.nashvilleintegratedmedicine.com/_wsn/page3.html
So yeah, now that I sound like a walking advertisement... lol. Sorry. Anyway, I wish you the best of luck with whatever you choose to do. :-)
For more on Dr Asa, please read a fellow blogger's account and related controversy here.
I just wanted to point out that Dr Asa is a "DC" meaning Doctor of Chiropractic. So he is not wrong in calling himself a doctor, but I think he should call himself a Chiropractic doctor. Thanks for the info on the other doctor in Nashville- it is great to have options!
This guy is a scam artist. I am ashamed that he is based her in Nashville. He is heard on the local talk station here about 5 times per hour. Guess who is paying for all that advertising??
He has an ad out now that states that you can slow the effects of altzheimer's disease and dimentia by avoiding aluminum. I know there is some evidence that correlates aluminum and altzheimer's but I don't think it's been proven to be causational. He is just providing false hopes to the vulnerable. He's a chiropractor that apparently believes that all forms of illness or disease can be treated through nutrition. Sounds like an Obama health administrator to me!
For "she who is by birth"...Dr. Asa is not an MD.
Lost 25 pounds in 8 weeks on the anti-inflammation diet with Dr. Asa. Had a blood test and an analysis of the results. The person responsible took extra time to go over it and answer any questions I had. They have added staff and seem to have many of their kinks worked out since I started with them. Very helpful and friendly staff. Been to Dr. Forbes (twice) so I don't have a totally accurate view of his work. He will tend though to prescribe modern medicine first whereas, Dr. Asa's office will go the health route/anti-inflammation, etc. route first.
Dr Asa's medicine is great. But "Dr" Asa's not a medical doctor, so he CAN'T prescribe modern medicine even if he wants to.
It's great that they're taking better care of their patients... but are they still scamming them?
For anyone who's interested, Dr Forbes has become my regular physician. He seems to do a mix of modern and natural medicines, and he allows the patient (for the most part) to discuss what they think the problem is, and direct the treatment.
And as an added bonus, the staff is very warm and can usually get you in on a moderately short notice. I highly recommend them.
Does anybody know if Dr. Forbes' office still smells very musty? I was there once and I have been allergic to mold since birth.
It was about a year ago. I was a walk-in and decided not to schedule because of that.
I don't remember his office smelling musty...
I am in college studying holistic neutrition. I have followed Dr Asa very closely for the past couple of years and find him right on the money. A few years ago I had a very bad medical condition, and many Mds could not even come close to solving my problem. Finally, my primary doctor stated he could not find out what the problem was. When I found out about nutrition from a friend and started taking supplements, I was a new person within a matter of days, after suffering for years with terrible pain. I not only have a bachelors in holistic nutritional studies, I am now going for my Masters. I am an absolutely new man. Going from couldn't get out of my chair, to full time student and working eight hours a day. My doctor and many friends were absolutely astonished at my recovery. I don't give a whit whether Dr. Andrew is a Md or not, he is right on the money and the most knowledgable human when it comes to the body I have ever heard of. He is a Godsend and is helping many people from all over the world. Some of the comments I have read about him tonight discusts me to no end. Someone complained about the costs, let me ask you, What is your health worth? You cannot put a price on that, but if you do, then you aren't looking for a cure, you're looking for an excuse. Get your head out. Signed (A real healthy 70 year old man)
I saw Dr Asa in late 2008 and was very disappointed in how I was treated on my last visit. I think his intentions are good, but somewhere along the way he began to see dollar signs instead of people. As soon as I mentioned I would have to do things as I could afford them, I was treated differently. I never even got to see him and was lied to on several visits. I hope he returns to his original passion for people.
In light of a the recent story in the Nashville Scene on Asa's illegal actions. http://www.nashvillescene.com/nashville/dr-asa-andrew-sells-health-and-hope-at-a-steep-price-behind-the-scenes-however-the-mans-practice-may-not-match-what-he-preaches/Content?oid=1834436 I realize that my family has been scammed for over 2 grand. I am organizing a class action lawsuit to try and recoup our money, as well as that of any other family that has been taken advantage of. It would require no money up front, as the lawyer will work pro bono. I already have 12 people claiming over 40 thousand dollars worth of scammed care, as well as a former employee offering first hand testimony of illegal practices. If you are interested at all, just email me at loganjthompson@gmail.com
I had a similar experience in Plantation, FL with David S. Popkin DC. He is a true SCAM artist! Did x-rays, ordered a ton of vitamins before my blood work was even done!?! How does he know what he is even treating!!?
This greedy, crook makes a ton of money by selling super expensive NAET allergy treatments, even if you say you are not allergic to anything.
This crook and his ugly wife (MD) scammed me $650 dollars in 3 visits!
I want to report these crooks to the Attorney General of Florida.
They run Quantum Wellness Center in Plantation, FL. STAY AWAY!!!
Find chiropractor and chiropractic office in Plantation FL, Weston and Sunrise for chiropractic services for headaches, low back pain Plantation, neck pain Plantation, pain relief, sports massage and massage therapy.
Dr Asa Andrews is still at it!! He sent packages of his supplies to me that I did not authorize. I made the mistake of ordering something one time, and told him that was only a one time order.Make a long story short, if he gets your card number, he will keep sending and charging you for it. He is a scammer in the worst way!!!!!
He is a thief!
Dr Asa Andrews is still at it!! He sent packages of his supplies to me that I did not authorize. I made the mistake of ordering something one time, and told him that was only a one time order.Make a long story short, if he gets your card number, he will keep sending and charging you for it. He is a scammer in the worst way!!!!!
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